Aston Villa's attempt to sign Turkish starlet rejected by Besiktas

Aston Villa have seen their audacious bid for Besiktas' 18-year-old forward Semih Kılıçsoy swiftly rejected by the Turkish club according to Birmingham World. The Premier League side had hoped to secure the services of the teenage sensation, who has been turning heads across Europe with his impressive performances.

Villa's proposal, which included a substantial cash offer of €18 million (£15 million) and a season-long loan of experienced left-back Alex Moreno, was deemed insufficient by Besiktas. The rejection leaves Aston Villa pondering their next steps in the transfer market as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

Kılıçsoy's rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. The young forward scored an impressive 11 goals in 23 matches in the Süper Lig last season, building on his remarkable tally of 42 goals in 64 games for Besiktas Under-19. His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him three caps for the Turkish national team and an appearance at UEFA EURO 2024.

Aston Villa are not alone in their admiration for Kılıçsoy's talents. Premier League giants Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham are all keeping a close eye on the situation. Villa's interest, however, has been particularly persistent, with the club considering a move for the forward as early as the January transfer window.

Kılıçsoy's versatility is one of his key attributes. While primarily a centre-forward, he is equally adept at playing on either flank. His dribbling skills and clinical finishing have earned him plaudits, although he occasionally struggles with crossing and can be prone to committing fouls. Despite these minor weaknesses, his potential is undeniable, and he is widely regarded as a raw talent with enormous room for growth.

Unai Emery is believed to be a key factor in the club's pursuit of Kılıçsoy. Emery's reputation for excellent man-management and his ability to nurture young talent could be crucial in convincing the forward to choose Villa Park as his next destination.

With Besiktas standing firm in their rejection of the initial bid, Aston Villa must now weigh up their options. The competition for Kılıçsoy's signature is fierce, with the likes of Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, and Ange Postecoglou all capable of providing the perfect environment for the young forward to flourish.